As the Santa Ana winds sweep through parts of the region, much of Southern California is under a warning that windblown dust and ash are affecting air quality.
Ashes of the recent series of major forest fires that tore through the Southland last month has blown through the Los Angeles metro area, Orange County and the Inland Empire, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District advisory Friday. The alert warns of air quality that is unhealthy for medically vulnerable groups – such as children, the elderly and people with underlying health conditions – and will remain in effect from 11:30 a.m. Friday to 3:00 p.m. Saturday.
Satellite images show ash being swept across the region, the air quality regulator said, while much of the Inland Empire saw strong gusts and Santa Ana winds on Friday. Given the conditions, Southern California Edison warned of possible power outages, and by the afternoon… Thousands had their power turned off due to the increased risk of wildfires due to weather conditions.
AirNow.gov/Environmental Protection Agency
Elevated levels of PM10 — particulate matter that can be inhaled into the lungs and lead to adverse health effects — have also been measured in the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
Maps showing conditions in real time on airnow.gov, which is operated in part by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, showed particularly polluted conditions in San Bernardino County on Friday afternoon.
The regulator has a list of tips to stay safe amid the potentially unhealthy air quality conditions. You can find these here.
